Calathea lietzei (Calathea)

Calathea lietzei (Calathea) plant with elongated variegated foliage and small white blossoms rising from stem.

Botanical names: Calathea lietzei, Goeppertia lietzei

Common name: Calathea

Family: Marantaceae

Origin: Brazil

USDA Zone: 11

Cold tolerance: 50°F

Plant form: Small

Mature height: 2-5 ft

Sun exposure: Semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage color: Ornamental foliage

Calathea lietzei is a compact tropical plant known for its striking patterned foliage. It typically grows up to 2 feet tall and prefers warm, humid conditions with partial shade. The soil should be consistently moist but well-drained, and regular watering is essential for healthy growth.

This plant can be grown outdoors year-round only in USDA Zone 11, where temperatures stay above 50F.

In cooler zones, Calathea lietzei should be grown in a container. Place the pot in bright, indirect light, sheltered from wind, and bring it indoors before temperatures drop. With the right care, Calathea lietzei makes a beautiful addition to indoor spaces or shaded tropical gardens.

Calathea lietzei 'White Fusion' (Goeppertia lietzei 'White Fusion') is a stunning variegated cultivar prized for its marbled leaves that combine pure white with several shades of green, ranging from deep emerald to light mint. The unique foliage pattern makes it a striking decorative plant for indoor settings.